have provision for

USAGE SUMMARY

'have provision for' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you are discussing having something in place to deal with a situation. For example, "We must have a provision for emergency situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And all bonuses should have provision for clawbacks in the event that malfeasance is subsequently discovered".

The New Yorker

Morgan said the expansion – which would have provision for 450 pupils – was genuine and did not reflect a change in government policy towards selective schooling.

The Guardian

Subjects of extreme contrast or very bright or dark dominant areas need overriding exposure corrections; automatic cameras often have provision for this.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sharon Attfield, 49, a mother-of-four and mature student, living on the Lumbertubs and Lings estate, Northampton, said: 'We have provision for children on the estate, but it is because our residents' association has provided them by raising funds.

The Guardian

These rules have provision for determining locations of system call arguments, variables, etc.

Journal of Cloud Computing

The evaluation of the proposed framework has been conducted in a study, which did not have provision for an interactive alteration of the layout.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Well over half have provisions for sickness, and nearly half have provisions for family allowances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We already have provisions for 28-day detention without trial.

The Guardian - Books

Rhode Island and Hawaii also have provisions for replacing some income.

The New York Times

But most have provisions for external appeal reviews.

The New York Times - Health

All apartments will have provisions for high-speed Internet access and will have flues for fireplaces.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have provision for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being prepared for. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "have provision for" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "have a plan for" or "allow for" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have provision for" functions as a verb phrase indicating that arrangements, plans, or preparations are in place to address a particular need, circumstance, or event. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have provision for" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression that signifies having plans or measures in place to address a particular need or scenario. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness for use in written English. While versatile, it's most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, specificity is key: ensure the context makes clear exactly what is being provided for. Although correct, "have provision for" might be considered too formal for some casual situations, where simpler alternatives like "allow for" or "have a plan for" might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a plan for

This offers a simpler, more direct way to express having preparations, reducing the formality.

allow for

This alternative suggests including something in calculations or plans, offering a straightforward substitution.

make allowance for

This alternative highlights consideration for potential factors or circumstances, showing a subtle difference in emphasis.

make arrangements for

This alternative focuses on the act of planning and organizing, suggesting a more deliberate preparation.

have arrangements in place for

This alternative stresses the existing preparations, offering a more descriptive replacement.

cater for

This phrase implies providing something needed or desired, often used in the context of services or needs.

be prepared for

Focuses on readiness and anticipation, shifting the emphasis from the provision itself to the state of being ready.

take into account

This phrase emphasizes considering or remembering something important when making decisions or plans.

include a contingency for

Highlights the inclusion of backup plans, specifying the nature of the provision.

reserve capacity for

Suggests setting aside resources or space, adding a quantitative dimension to the provision.

FAQs

How can I use "have provision for" in a sentence?

You can use "have provision for" to indicate that a plan or arrangement is in place to deal with a specific situation. For instance, "The contract should have provision for unforeseen circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "have provision for"?

Alternatives include "allow for", "make arrangements for", or "cater for", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it more appropriate to say "have provision for" or "have provisions for"?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "have provision for" emphasizes a single, specific measure, whereas "have provisions for" suggests multiple measures or arrangements. Both are correct, but the plural form is used to generally indicate multiple measures.

What's the difference between "have provision for" and "allow for"?

"Have provision for" typically refers to actively planning and preparing for something, while "allow for" suggests simply taking something into consideration, which could make it a less active form of planning.